Gloria Parker

Gloria Parker (née Rosenthal; August 20, 1921 – April 13, 2022) was an American musician and bandleader who had a radio show during the big band era. The Gloria Parker Show was broadcast nightly from 1950 to 1957, coast to coast on WABC. She played the marimba, organ, and singing glasses (glass harp). Dubbed Princess of the Marimba, she conducted the 21-piece Swingphony from the Kelly Lyceum Ballroom in Buffalo, New York. This was the largest big band led by a female bandleader. Edgar Battle and Walter Thomas were arrangers for the Swingphony.

Gloria Parker
Parker in a 1944 advertisement
Background information
Birth nameGloria Rosenthal
Born(1921-08-20)August 20, 1921
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedApril 13, 2022(2022-04-13) (aged 100)
Syosset, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • bandleader
  • composer
  • actress
  • radio host
Instrument(s)
  • Marimba
  • organ
  • glass harp
Years active1940s–1984
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